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Springfield Saint AR-15 [Review]

Springfield Saint
The Springfield Saint is another addition to the ever-growing AR-15 market, but is it worth your time and money? We'll take a closer look and help you make the right choice!
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
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    You get what you pay for in firearms, we all know that. But in the ever-evolving world of the AR-15, prices are dropping while quality is skyrocketing for America’s favorite sporting rifle. You want a quality AR-15 and want to spend under $1000? Then the Springfield Saint might be the rifle for you!
    Springfield Armory Saint defend your legacy
    Springfield Armory Saint
    In late 2016, Springfield joined the competitive and ever-growing market for America’s favorite sporting rifle.  While many people (myself included) were skeptical of Springfield’s first AR-15, the Saint has proven itself to be a stand-out among entry-level AR-15’s.  You may know Springfield from their famed M1A rifles and 1911’s – both good signs of a quality arms company. Already looking to purchase my first AR-15, I did what any gun lover on a budget would do: Research Hours of review videos later, I found myself with a lengthy internet history and some positive assurance about the Saint.  Can a rifle be reliable, accurate, and fiscally reasonable? I just had to find out for myself.
    Springfield Saint
    My Springfield Saint

    Who is it For?

    The Saint truly hits a sweet spot with this combination, especially for first time AR-15 buyers or anyone looking for a solid rifle with the availability for personalized modifications.
    Best Selling
    $800
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Fit & Feel

    Upon first uncasing my new love, I took special attention to how durable the Saint looked and felt. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of 55 grain and 62 grain 5.56×45 NATO ammo through it with no malfunctions.  While the Saint is chambered for the 5.56mm round, it will also accept .223 Remington (like all other 5.56mm rifles). The Bravo Company Buttstock is sturdy yet comfortable, the A2-style front sight gives it a vintage look, and the Nickel Boron bolt carrier slides with ease.
    $67
    at BCM

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    For my first AR-15, I have no complaints.  In addition to shooting it myself, I have also had quite a few friends and first-time shooters experience the ease and enjoyment of the Saint.  It is simple and straightforward to operate, and the sturdy, but not quite heavy, weight of the rifle minimizes felt recoil.

    Comparable Models

    If you have access to a firing range with guns for rent, I would definitely recommend shooting as many as you can to get a feel for what you like.  At least taking a few trips to the gun store to hold the gun, feel the bolt, and test the trigger will ensure a worthwhile purchase. During my research, these are the other entry level AR-15s I considered.

    Specifications

    For my fellow gun-nerds out there, here are the key specifications and the numbers to go with them, provided by Springfield.

    Size:

    • Length: 32.5” collapsed, 35.5” extended
    • Weight: 6lbs 11oz

    Upper:

    Springfield Saint Upper
    Springfield Saint with Bravo Company handguard and VFG
    • Receiver: Type III Hard Coat Anodized Aircraft Grade 7075 T6 Aluminum Flat Top
    • Barrel: 16″ Chrome Moly Vanadium, 1:8 RH Twist, Melonite
    • Gas System: Direct Impingement Mid-Length
    • Handguard: Bravo Company (KeyMod)

    Lower:

    • Receiver: Type III Hard Coat Anodized Aircraft Grade 7075 T6 Aluminum,
    • Trigger: Springfield Proprietary
    • Pistol Grip: Bravo Company Mod 3

    By The Numbers:

    For those who care less about the numbers and more about the overall review, I’ll sum up the key points you should know before possibly purchasing a Saint.

    Reliability: 5/5

    I have not had any issues personally! So far I have used your standard, cheap (see the trend here), FMJ ball ammo.  This is one of my favorite aspects of the Saint.  The last thing I want to do is save up for a gun just to spend money on a gunsmith–that is certainly not a problem here.

    Accuracy: 3.5/5

    With about a 6.25 lb trigger pull, the Saint is a bit better than the standard entry-level AR-15 that normally rocks the infamous MilSpec AR trigger.  When it comes to putting holes in paper, the Saint’s trigger is great.  The improved trigger helps and 1.5-2 MOA is readily achievable out of the box—or shall I say great quality hard case (keep reading for more details on that). If you want to improve the trigger further and help your accuracy, then check out what we think are the Best Drop-in AR-15 Triggers.

    Looks: 4/5

    These days, AR-15 design can get pretty fancy, and yes I’m talking about you Daniel Defense.  The Saint combines the standard A2 look with a sleek a timeless design.
    Springfield Saint AR15 Front
    Rattlecan paint job really came out nice!

    Ergonomics: 4.5/5

    Form meets function and sets the Saint apart from competitors like the S&W M+P 15, which can have a bit of a plastic feel.  The BCM handguard features a rougher texture at some points, which lets you use a bit of a tighter grip with your support hand.  Manipulation is comfortable and natural, while the overall feel is sturdy but definitely not heavy.

    Customization: 4.5/5

    Something I loved about the Saint before I even bought it was the option to customize.  While it was great to shoot right after swiping my card and filling out the 4473, I knew I wanted to make this gun mine.  Since purchasing, I have outfitted my Saint with a Vortex Spitfire AR (1x) red dot, which has worked great and was quite easy to zero.  Find the right optic for you in our Best AR-15 Optic 2018 review
    $250
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons
    I also added a BCM Vertical Foregrip, because why not.  Springfield recently released the Saint in an FDE version, which features the gun community’s favorite tan but better color on the stock, grip, and handguard.  I do admit I was a bit jealous, but a few cans of spray paint cured my jealousy.  My awesome coworker blended together OD green, grey, and FDE, which turned out to be a great combo that gives it the rugged and war-torn look.
    Springfield-Saint FDE
    Springfield Saint in FDE

    Bang for the Buck: 5/5

    It really comes down to how much you want to spend when you’re buying a weapon.  I knew I didn’t want to eat Ramen for a month, but I also wanted a rifle that was going to last and accomplish the necessities.  While my mom might think differently, purchasing the Saint was a great choice because of its great value and many other great features.  In addition to a great rifle, you also get an awesome hard case.  While it’s not quite Pelican level, it is certainly better than a cheap Plano, and definitely better than getting a gun in a cardboard box.  After many hours spent talking with people, reading reviews, and shooting it myself, it seems as though you can’t do better for the price.

    Overall Grade: 4.25/5

    Yes, I know that’s a super weird number but go with me here.  I would recommend it to a friend, first-time AR-15 buyer, or anyone who wants a solid rifle that will perform without you feeling guilty when the credit card bill arrives.

    Conclusion

    The Springfield Saint AR-15 is a great entry-level AR-15 that is easy to use and customize.  It’s perfect for sporting or home defense with high reliability and some furniture and trigger upgrades that set it apart from other budget AR-15s.
    Springfield Saint
    Springfield Saint with FDE, OD Green, and Stealth Grey Rattlecan Paint Job
    Since I bought mine, Springfield has turned the original Saint into its own line.  You can now buy the Free Float Handguard version, the Lightweight Edge, or Pistol with SB Tactical Brace and 7.5” barrel! Need ammo for your new AR15? Find the best options for the range and home defense in our Best AR-15 Ammo review!

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    41 Leave a Reply

    • Ricky Johnson

      First saint as a entry level wount be like a Corvette compared to a VW hell this gun has more out in it from spring field then most high end ars have and just as good or better yes from trigger to stock to barrel to 9 in gas system this gun is the cream of the crop I put it up against the biggest boys out there yes dd colt fn ltm Wilson combat etc it's that dam good get a bmc it rapture charger a risa 189 nickel boron bolt carrier and a sweet vortex etc site sling and you ready for wwlll saints or the gun to beleave in quality over 200 years Springfield has won wars from civil war to nam. Ml m14 1911 the name is as strong as colt fn rem it's a gem try one run good lube lk frog lube gtg Springfield saint the name of quality slickrick midway ga.

      August 16, 2022 6:44 pm
      • JonSEAZ

        I am not in any way saying anything about Springfield, the company, here, but the legacy Springfield which won wars, a government owned and operated Springfield, has absolutely no relationship today's Springfield, a private company which purchased the right to use the name.

        September 24, 2022 2:11 pm
        • Ricky Johnson

          Same as new colts they not a all.out colt mixed parts from tons different companies le6920 best true for colt am.saying the Springfield has had mich good stuff as any ar these days for less ok ar 15 all or same no diff in lower if it's a 7075 upper or lower they all made same specs only finesh quality build on some or better one company mades 8 diff uppers lowers for lots only name sake on them far as Springfield being old school made ever new colts or not same as. Old school if it has a code stamp with Cr on sn it's not true mitlary spec most of not but as far as colt 6920 le god they or as close to real as u ever get only semi and in and hafe different but am saying new saint is a winner in ar class so many made good ars but saints out more bang for the buck then any mafg

          December 22, 2022 6:00 pm
        • Ricky

          It's made by bcm same gun bro as far as won wars Springfield did true mite not be same as old spring fields but quality a plus it's git more in a saint then any other out there for the money I have a org colt 6929le mitlary tcp true mitlary spec gun best at out there why it not a parts out together gun lk new 6920le cr colts or not millspec at all it's different breed all together all parts or from different company s lk s/w dmps etc the saint has better finesh then dd or colts and or tighter to fit to just saying for the 1000 u can not get any better it's really not a entry level at all dd 2000 not way worth that much when a saint Is build better even colt wount be as tight good shooting I have all the big boy names in ar15s but I put that saint up against all

          June 1, 2023 11:46 pm
    • Anthony

      Im a Marine infantry combat vet. This was my first personal ar-15. I love it. 500 yard shots, no problem. Feels great, looks fantastic (i have the earth tone and love it), has a really nice crisp trigger for stock, and its never malfunctioned. Im so happy with it i dont feel the need for a better 5.56 rifle and ive had it for several years. Heck it even came with a hard case. My single complaint is the word saint being so huge on the mag well, lol. I highly recommend. It feels like a $1200 rifle but costs alot less. And yes, i would be totally comfortable putting into a combat scenario. As a side note, ive never been disappointed with springfield. I also own a Springfield xdm .45 match grade with a 5.25in barrel. I love it too!

      March 27, 2022 12:56 pm
      • Ricky Johnson

        Really it's a 1800 plus ar if you look
        All the spring field crew puts in them at no extra cost lkndd over priced by 800 plus and other it's a market gam e out there u have a ar15 with say upper lower Al same cut 7075 only the finish is diff from company's most or all same thing from colt DD fb etc only a org 6920 le made in full auto line by colt is real tcp mitlary spec that makes it a gem new colts all parts guns Cr in serial number is a 1000 range gun not a org made colt is SW Ruger dumps or any put together witch is fine for a entry level saint is a step ahead of that game my beleave. Thanks for your service bro bless you and keep on bearing

        August 16, 2022 6:50 pm
      • Rick

        Very hard best as a dd cost 2000 u only buying name a saint has a lot better fit then my 2300 colt 6920 le org model and better finish then my dd to they out s lot in this gun for a so cakked entry level when it's ready as good as any 2000 over priced ar out there I think its made but bcm same gun put a risa bcg on it sling and doffle chargeing Handel good site u gtogo bro

        June 1, 2023 11:50 pm
    • Ryan

      The handle for this model, where did you find it at?

      February 25, 2022 7:07 pm
    • Ricky johnson

      It's as good as any high end out there why look a al it has going Springfield saint yes civilwar was Springfield years in business top notch finsh is better dd or colts yrs it's the deal

      June 13, 2021 2:03 pm
    • Td

      Of my collection, I have to say that if I needed it, and it was that moment....my Saint is the first one I’m pulling off the rack. I just can’t pretend that it wouldn’t be.

      January 19, 2021 12:43 pm
      • Ricky

        Any ar charger fix it a bcm or rapture is allsome lube it frog lube gtg

        June 1, 2023 11:52 pm
    • Matt

      Not my first AR15 but definitely one of my best ones. I dropped an ACOG on mine, and it's been a great shooter for years never one failure out of thousands of rounds and even cheap steel. Very reliable weapon.

      November 23, 2020 3:25 pm
    • JEREMY

      I've had mine for about 3 months now and zero failures with a little over 1k rounds through it. No complaints here. My first AR style rifle and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good overall choice, especially in the under $1k category.

      July 25, 2020 8:29 am
    • Chris Walker

      I just bought one of these in the pistol versionFriday afternoon. Took it to the range Sunday. Failure to extract on the very first round. Needed a cleaning rod to clear the spent casing. Second round, exactly the same thing. After five rounds I gave up. The extractor is destroying the casing when it fires so it has nothing to grab on to in order to extract. Extremely disappointing. This thing will be going back Monday morning. Absolutely no way I would trust my life to this weapon.

      April 19, 2020 12:10 pm
    • BP

      Objective review where many can’t be objective when it comes to Springfield Armory products due to politics. The Saint in question offers a good value from the price point. I recently Demo’d it along side a Sig M400 tread & a S&W M&P15. Using comparable ammo from the same distances, the Saint had better groupings. My other conspirators assisting found the Sig tread to be somewhat proprietary while the M&P-15 styling to be somewhat flat.

      February 25, 2020 8:48 pm
    • Gil Mansell

      bought mine about 6 months ago and put several hundreds rounds thru it and frankly think this is a smokin' deal, in OD Green looks like love at first sight. trigger is smoooooth imo …. could be a tad more accurate.... iron sights good qual and co witness. called the 800 # couple times and got a human right off....that's what i'm talkin' about.

      September 28, 2019 2:52 pm
    • Jake Larson

      Lol. People that say this gun is junk crack me up !! Anyone own a BCM ? If you can compare it with the Saint. It is the same damn rifle, and not just the furniture. is BCM junk ? Hell no it's not and the saint is no different. 5,500 round and have had one failure to extract. My JP rifle that was 3 times the price has experienced the same thing.

      August 1, 2019 9:21 pm
      • Ricky johnson

        Ur right it has the green mountain bbr same dam bbr as a bcm and also as a 6920le colt best of best and it's a aero upper lower sea as agsi fn armerlite colt bcm so fools get on here trashing g diff guns look at all saint has tons millspec and over to hundred years at war i.put it up against dd any da a better made is sant it's the bome

        June 22, 2021 2:56 pm
    • JP

      The first time I shot my new AR Saint the retaining pins for the trigger group backed out. I had put less than 20 rounds through it. When the pins backed out it caused it to shoot full auto for the rest of the mag. I emailed customer service, still haven’t gotten a response for that. Finally got in touch by phone. Sent it in. They replaced the pins. Took weeks to get it back. I’ve probably put about 100 rounds through it. Now the new pins are backing out. I have another Springfield product that I’ve had to send in twice for two different recalls. DONE WITH SPRINGFIELD!!!!!

      April 15, 2019 5:57 pm
      • Anthony Douglas R.

        JP
        That's what General Custer's troops said after their defeat at Little Big Horn because they were armed wirh trapdoor Springfield rifles and colt .45's and they were finished with Springfield.

        January 12, 2020 10:19 pm
        • Ricky johnson

          Springfield been in more wars and gun made and won civilwar with a Springfield ha true best out there ask.ml fans

          June 22, 2021 3:01 pm
      • Ricky johnson

        Bs saintsbeter then dd all day lone look at finsh both millspec saints build better 2000 for dd ha a joke saint is better geeenmoutain make s colt bcm bbr to button shoots twice as good as dd check witch is weak whem.made go saint up against the biggest out there and beats most as well

        June 22, 2021 2:59 pm
    • Steve Simpson

      Recently purchased the SA Saint AR-15 and was finally able to take it out today. I'd like to give my first impressions.
      I am fairly new to the gun world as I just moved from CA to AZ with only a few guns that were handed down to me from my grandfather, so when I moved to AZ I went a bit crazy buying a new gun each moth for the past three months. First two were handguns (S&W 9mm) but my latest purchase was the Saint. I hate calling it 'The Saint" and have only been saying its my new AR so I don't sound like a fool.
      So I ordered my SA Saint from the local Bass Pro Shops- Wanted brand new with no other hands on it besides the test fire dude/dudette. Yesterday I field stripped and lightly cleaned it- Rifle came nicely lubricated but a little too much for my standards so I wiped and cleaned then re-oiled. When I bought the gun I also purchased two extra PMAG-30 and a PMAG-40. So glad I did because the PMAG-30 that came with the gun felt a little weak as if it was a mag not suitable for retail sale by itself- Just a hunch I thought. I also added a Vortex SPARC AR red dot sight (love it).
      So mags loaded and gun cleaned I took it to the range this morning. Let me add that before I ordered the gun, while I waited, and during the time between receiving it and actually shooting; I watched dozens of YouTube videos of how the Saint jams up- Especially that guy that made a three part video about his issues with the Saint and SA. I was a little worried. But I took it tot he range and took it easy- Sighted in my red dot and and took single shots. Didn't want to overheat a new gun- Not sure if it matters but seems like it was a good idea to take it east the first hundred or so rounds. The first 30 rounds went through with no problem- Used the new PMAG-30 I bought separately. Tried to load the PMAG-30 that came with the gun and it would not seat in place- Not sure if it was too hot, so I grabbed my PMAG-40 and it locked right in. Shot three rounds from it then tried the original PMAG- This time it set in fine. Let me add that loading the PMAG that came with the gun felt loose and not that solid but when I loaded the 2nd purchased POMAG it felt much better. I think I might just trash the PMAG that came with the gun. No big deal since I will likely buy 4-5 more mags.
      Overall the gun ran fine with no jams or issues. None at all- The gun sighted in quickly and was super accurate. The heat plate inside the barrel grip smoked a little after the first 30 shots so I took it a little slower- I am sure it was just the newness burning off and the heat plate getting "seasoned". The trigger weight was perfect too- I actually like it better than my S&W shield weight- I am sure that is comparing apples to oranges but it is how I feel pulling the tigger.
      So my first impression is HELL YES! I am so happy with my new AR - My only AR actually. The gun is amazing and I love it - Not as much as my grandpa's old 30-30, but very very close! I highly recommend this gun!

      August 19, 2018 3:55 pm
    • Connor H

      Ruger MPR; free floated M-LOK handguard, 18" cold hammer forged QPQ nitride barrel, rifle length gas system, Magpul MOE grip, MOE-SL stock (amazing), and Ruger 452 trigger, a very smooth, ~4lb 2 stage trigger. $650 for the whole rifle. Trigger, grip, and stock ($150+$25+$50) is more than $200 of add-ons to begin with.

      Beautifully shooting rifle, honestly compares with a $1400 Daniel Defense I have. I recommend nothing but the Ruger MPR to those new to MSR's. I've put 500+ rounds through a Saint. It's a fine, solid rifle, but for the cost, you get a lot more features (free float, rifle gas system, full length top pic rail) for LESS money than a Saint.

      Just trying to help new buyers. Great review overall.

      April 22, 2018 6:58 pm
      • Rick johnson

        It's a better gun than a dd look.all.it has dd dount but 2000 ha a joke I put it up against any dd and it come out on top.better finsh. Trigger bbr to

        June 22, 2021 3:04 pm
    • JRoland

      Delton AR15 ECHO, IMO can't be beat. High quality, super reliable and inexpensive. I paid $399 shipped + $25 FFL = $424..

      February 19, 2018 7:28 am
    • Jason borne

      When the Saint hit the stores I could not wait to get my hands on I own some Springfield firearms and was excited but because they had not put out such a firearm I decided to wait for a year and see the reviews and until today 2018 February 14th I heard it's still a piece of junk I live here in Nevada where you can shoot before you buy and found it few of the stores do not even allow you to shoot the saint and when I finally did it did exactly what everyone said it jammed every 15 rounds I always see these massive reviews about junk Glocks the junk vp9 and now the junk saint I believe that the people riding these reviews are either being paid by the big companies or have never actually done any real hands on reviews of the Firearms they're talking about going out to the range and shoot in your 10-round magazine does not make it an excellent or superb or reliable firearm so once again do yourself a favor drop a Sig and let me know how it goes

      February 16, 2018 6:37 am
      • Em Es

        Can't trust a review from someone that doesn't know how to use a period. Geez man.

        May 9, 2019 11:45 am
      • Ricky johnson

        How come people say jams when i.hot over 10000 rounds thur one never why People jealous that a Springfield is better most all.out there is why and better dd to.better finsh trigger bbr

        June 22, 2021 3:06 pm
    • Carlwinslo

      Springfield can go die in a fire

      February 16, 2018 4:59 am
    • hogheaven

      Could be wrong but I heard the Saint was made in China? Anyone know for sure?

      February 16, 2018 1:45 am
      • David

        I've heard these rumors also but can't find any basis for them, it also doesn't make sense since Springfield has a major US manufacturing plant and import laws on rifles would make outside production difficult and costly.

        February 16, 2018 10:30 am
      • Collin

        Definitely made in the u.s can speak in 100% assurance

        May 21, 2018 5:59 pm
    • Chuck

      Don’t waste your money on a Saint
      I bought one and immediately had problems with trigger not resetting then after they sent it back to me it wouldn’t extract spent casings so after sending it in again I got it back and had several double fires
      Sent it in 4th time and demanded either a new rifle or refund so they gave me a brand new one and as soon as it came I traded it for a DDM4V9 soo Happy now

      February 15, 2018 5:44 pm
      • Carter

        How were you able to trade a $700 Saint for a $1700 DDM4V9?

        July 13, 2019 10:50 am
      • Rick johnson

        Best at u buy for 1000 it beats a dd 2000 gun all day long put them side be side u see a colti g type lll vs run of mill blues saint is a bcm no diff better dd most ars out there

        June 22, 2021 3:12 pm
    • Coach

      The Ruger 556 mentioned above is a much better deal when you get it for $475 at Sportsman's Guide. Liked mine so much I bought a second for my son! Have to admit, it I had the funds, I would love to try the Saint.

      February 15, 2018 5:22 pm
    • Kent

      How do define a “good” AR15? I bought a StagArms and Im really happy with it. It seems well built, and I’ve never had a problem with it. Yet, fellow gunners at the range seem to look down on it. I’m curious to hear your thoughts, or anyone else.

      February 15, 2018 5:11 pm
      • Kevin

        I have had a Stag for 7-8 years now, model 2 flat top. I have not had any problems with it. It eats everything it's fed. I put on a different handguard, BUIS, and trigger in it. It is accurate to 300 yards (longest range I have available) with a Hi-Lux MM2 red dot. I'm happy with it, it's a good little rifle. I have built a few since but it was the first AR I got. I have always thought of Stag's as being solid mid level guns, nothing fancy but good quality.

        February 15, 2018 7:45 pm
        • Kent

          Thank you

          February 17, 2018 2:31 pm
      • Eric Hung

        I'm testing a Stag 9mm right now so stay tuned for the full review! It works...so no complaints in that department.

        February 16, 2018 12:21 pm
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